The time has finally come to say goodbye to Big Brother. Since then, my ability has successfully manifested. I was a little worried because I focused too much on the visual appearance and it took longer than I expected, but I'm glad I finished in time.
My [Blessings Upon You, Anderson Familia] works by having Aura—modeled after an angel—cover and seep into the recipient. It performs a slight enhancement, but its true value is revealed when the recipient is in genuine mortal danger. The angel automatically manifests and protects the person with all the remaining Aura I've endowed them with. Since it's an Enhancement-type ability, it grants enhancement or recovery. However, I added an extra feature for Big Brother: if the recipient is a Nen user, they can mix that Aura with their own and use it freely. Right now, I can only sustain it on about four or five people for half a year, but I have no intention of applying it to more people. Ten people at most is enough. I only use it for my family anyway. However, the duration is a weak point, so I want to improve my fundamental abilities to extend it.
Ultimately, this is what I created:
[Blessings Upon You, Anderson Familia]
* Enhancement-type Ability
An ability to share Aura—modeled after an angel—with a designated person, thereby strengthening them. It usually grants a slight enhancement and recovery, but when the recipient feels genuine mortal danger, the angel manifests and protects them using all the remaining Aura. For non-Nen users, it grants enhancement and recovery. If the recipient is a Nen user, they can mix that Aura with their own and use it freely. \leftarrow NEW!
* The power and duration change based on the depth of his affection (love/bond).
* Once applied, it cannot be removed.
* The time it can be maintained, and the number of people who can be affected, changes based on his Aura capacity.
I'm now twelve and graduating from elementary school. I'm incredibly grateful that so many people follow me, even someone like me. Big Brother has also started publicly announcing that he will take the Hunter Exam, so people are beginning to accept that I will be the next Don. Big Brother's followers, the upperclassmen, are also kind to me.
Joseph still looks after me as usual. He's currently working as one of our employees (a milder term for our people), gaining experience while studying for the bar exam. He'll pass it quickly; his grades were always unmatched.
Now, about Big Brother. He called me out to the slag heap as our farewell approached.
"Michael, you did well. I hereby grant you my full certification. You can now take a close-range gunshot and walk away with only a minor injury.
However, there is one last thing I need you to promise me.
First, never attack ordinary people with Nen. Limit it to other Nen users. I've forbidden this before, but if your opponent survives, there's a possibility they might awaken to Nen. If you absolutely must use it, you must ensure they are permanently dealt with.
Second, do not spread this power unless absolutely necessary. There is a huge advantage in knowing it versus not knowing it, and if it becomes public, there's a risk of being targeted by many people.
Finally, if you ever use your Nen ability to oppress innocent people, I, who taught you, will personally take responsibility and kill you.
Well, I know you'll be fine. I'm sorry to put this burden on you, but please look after Father, Mother, and the family business for me."
Full certification, huh... I really wish I could have stayed longer. Honestly, even now, I feel like I can't beat him at all. That's because no matter how much I improve, Big Brother improves even more. There are still so many things I want to learn, but I have to forge my own path from now on. The time for being pampered is over. And he said he'd come kill me if I strayed from the path. Honestly, if that happens, I will definitely die. Well, I'll take it as a sign of how much he worries about me. He doesn't need to worry; I'll keep my promises and protect my family.
"...Honestly, hearing 'full certification' from the monster standing right in front of me doesn't feel real at all, Big Brother.
But I understand what you're saying. I promise to obey your rules. I will further enhance this power and protect the family and the Family.
Don't worry about the business. I'll do my best. Just chase your dream without a single concern."
When I said that, Big Brother slowly held out his hand and said,
"So, should we do it?"
"It" must mean that—the "Blood Oath" we first performed. It's been six years. I regretted not having a needle last time, but I don't have one this time either. Well, I suppose it's a good recreation of the past.
"Let's do it."
We bit our fingers and mixed our blood. It still hurts. But it feels deeply significant.
"As long as I live, I will return home once a year. That's a promise."
"And I will become a man worthy of being the Don of the Family. That's a promise."
We exchanged promises and laughed together. I really like moments like this. I will keep my vow, too.
However, Big Brother's hand instantly restored itself and healed completely. He's so anticlimactic, even until the very end.
I lost my temper,
"That's still cheating! I was in so much pain!" I yelled as I attacked him.
I wanted one last friendly roughhousing session. I punched him with serious intent, but I was easily defeated. Big Brother laughed and said it was ten years too early. The difference in our levels is still too vast. I have to train without complacency. But it really is unreasonable. I feel like I'll never catch up even in ten years. I'm not convinced... I was knocked out and carried home by Big Brother, thinking all of that on the way.
On the final day, I just couldn't bring myself to see Big Brother off at the front door. It was probably because I knew I would cry. I would definitely cry if I saw him. So, I didn't go to the entrance and watched from the second-floor window.
Big Brother is talking to Father and Mother right now. ...Have they finished talking? Big Brother looked up at me.
"Michael! I'm counting on you to look after the family!"
Big Brother yelled that to me. I couldn't respond with words right away, so I replied by giving him a thumbs-up.
Big Brother turned away.
He's leaving now...
I couldn't say any words of farewell...
Before I knew it, I was running and tackled Big Brother, who was walking down the road.
"Bwaah!?"
I charged right into Big Brother's stomach, who had turned around for some reason, and the surprise attack made him stumble slightly. I couldn't lift my face, so I conveyed my feelings just as I was. I didn't want him to see me crying.
"Big Brother, you absolutely have to come back."
"I promised, didn't I? I will definitely come back."
"You better!"
"Absolutely."
After saying that much, I could finally lift my head.
We stepped apart, and Big Brother held out his fist. I bumped mine against his. Big Brother was smiling.
I'm glad I got to say goodbye after all.
"Well then, goodbye, Big Brother."
When I said that, Big Brother shook his finger and said,
"Michael, we don't say 'goodbye' when we part. We say this so we know we'll meet again."
"See... you... later..."
He's right. I'll do that too.
"I understand, Big Brother."
"See... you... later..."
After I said that, Big Brother gave a wry smile, turned around, and finally walked away on his own path.
As a final, secret gesture, I dedicated a blessing to Big Brother's journey. [Blessings Upon You, Anderson Familia]. May the protection of the Andersons be with him.
Big Brother, stay healthy and do your best.
I will do my best, too.
✨ Hey Reader!
If you're enjoying this story and want to read more chapters right now, consider supporting me on Patreon.
Your support inspires me to create even better stories and reach my full potential!
👉 https://patreon.com/Writer4u
⭐20 Advanced Chapters Available on my Patreon!